Ahhh Labor Day weekend. Three days off work, cookouts, pool parties and the last *real* weekend of summer. Naturally the first day of our LDW here in Ohio was raining and 50 degrees. We were actually planning on having our engagement pictures done yesterday morning, and therefore had to reschedule. Naturally today and tomorrow are going to be beautiful. But hey I'm not complaining! Although I'm sad to see an amazing summer end, I'm also excited to move on to leaves changing, football, apple picking, pumpkin carving, haunted houses, BBW fall scented candles and of course pumpkin-spiced everything (stay tuned for some new recipes!). I'm not ashamed to say that I actually called my local Starbucks to see if they had Pumpkin Spice Lattes yet last night *basic*. (They did by the way and expert tip - try adding some whiskey to it. GAME CHANGER.)
Anywho back to all things summer! I've rounded up my best cookout-appropriate recipes both cuisine & cocktails for you to be the hit of your family/friend/neighborhood/whatever get together this weekend. Here we go!
- All-American BBQ Ribs
Because what doesn't say summer and America like grilled to perfection, fall off the bone ribs with homemade BBQ sauce?
2. Hot Dog Bar
Because what's more American than hot dogs?
3. Veggie Kabobs
Colorful, healthy, packed full of flavor and vegetarian!
4. Sriracha-Orange Buffalo Brats
For those of you who like all things in life (including your brats) extra.
5. Creamy Potato Salad
This Potato Salad is SUPER creamy, and it has bacon so that pretty much makes it better than the regular non-bacon potato salad that anyone else might bring.
6. Lemon-Oregano Grilled Shrimp
https://www.cuisineandcocktails.com/lemon-oregano-grilled-shrimp/
The rub for this dish screams summer, and it'll satisfy your guests who would like something lighter.
7. Soy-Ginger Glazed Grilled Chicken Wings
Because seriously what is a party without some bomb ass chicken wings?
8. Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger
https://www.cuisineandcocktails.com/jalapeno-bacon-cheeseburger/
You can't have a cookout without burgers. This one comes with bacon and a spicy kick!
9. Beer Can Chicken
https://www.cuisineandcocktails.com/beer-can-chicken/
It is an entire chicken seasoned and sitting atop a beer can. Need I say more?
10. Beer-Braised Hot Dogs with Braised Sauerkraut
Hot dogs on the grill = summer. Coating them in a beer based sauce first = summer extra.
11. Herb Butter-Stuffed Burgers
https://www.cuisineandcocktails.com/herb-butter-stuffed-burgers/
One more burger recipe for those of you who aren't a fan of spicy! This version combines butter, herbs and lemon for a unique taste!
12. Pasta Salad
I've made this for so many cookouts, and it is always a huge hit. Pasta, cheese, pepperoni, salami... but it has "salad" in the name so it sounds healthy.
13. Mexican Street Corn
This recipe kills the side recipe game - trust me.
14. Lemon Chickpea Salad
Okay this one seriously is healthy, but it's also full of flavor and tastes like summer!
15. Cajun Shrimp Skewers
I just love grilled shrimp (obviously). This version has a spicy kick!
16. Grilled Cajun Swordfish
Swordfish isn't something you see all the time at BBQs making it original AF.
17. Blackberry Bourbon Bubbles
Bourbon is usually associated with the cooler months, however this version with fresh fruit and bubbly makes it light and refreshing!
18. Skinny Bitch
Super easy to make, super refreshing.
19. Skinny Elderflower Sipper
There is lemonade. Need I say more?
20. Patriotic Jello Shots
Now if you REALLY want to be the hit of the party, show up with these boozy bad boys.
21. Sparkling Raspberry Kiss
Another fresh fruit and bubbly cocktail but this time with vodka!
22. One in a Melon
This gin-based cocktail contains watermelon and what says summer more than watermelon?
23. Cucumber Refresher
Because what's more refreshing than cucumber?
24. Pimm's Cup
I would recommend making this sophisticated cocktail in a big bowl punch-style with the fruit included. (I've done this before and it's a big hit!)
25. Blueberry Fire Margarita
Because honestly who doesn't love margs?
25. Summer Spritzer
Something about white wine spritzers just say summer!
26. Watermelon Mojito
As if mojitos with fresh mint aren't refreshing enough - try adding watermelon to them!
27. Summer Sunshine
One more extra refreshing watermelon cocktail - this time with tequila and yellow watermelon to capture those summer feels even more.
I hope this list is helpful in creating a perfect party or giving you ideas of what to bring to one you might be attending! Have a safe and fun holiday weekend. Cheers!
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